The Continental: No More 461 G-Wagen, Plus Tidbits from Audi, VW, Benz and Citroën

Jens Meiners

Dec 23, 2013

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Each week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we simply call him . . . the Continental.

The 461 series G-Wagen.

Three years ago, Mercedes-Benz began to offer its 461-series Geländewagen to private customers again. The 461, essentially the original G-wagen, was replaced by the plush 463 series in 1990; for many years it was available only for military and government customers. Then, in late 2010, it reappeared. Called the “Professional,” this purest of G-wagens was touted as a “somewhat stripped-out, more practically-oriented version (which) focuses on the robustness and reliability of the G-class.” Power came from a 181-hp 3.0-liter V-6 diesel. Needless to say, it was every true off-roader’s favorite G-wagen.

Now, I am told by Mercedes-Benz, the quintessential G has fallen victim to 2014 emissions regulations. It has been yanked off the market, just as the G-wagen cabriolet was killed earlier this year. But while the Professional and the cabriolet models are gone, the future of the G-wagen is secure. This year was its best ever, and Mercedes-Benz is fully committed to keeping the brute going for many years.

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German Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 1979.

Retro VWs

Volkswagen is launching two retro-themed models: The Jetta GLI Edition 30 in the U.S. and the Golf Cabriolet Karmann in Europe. With the Jetta GLI Edition 30, VW commemorates the Jetta GLI’s 30th (U.S. market) anniversary. Back in 1984, the GLI was fitted with the same 90-hp 1.8-liter four that powered the Rabbit GTI.

In Germany, by contrast, the Jetta GLI was launched in 1979, alongside its frugal Jetta LI sibling. Thanks to less stringent emissions regulation, it turned out 110 horsepower. The Jetta LI, though, was actually cheaper than a Golf/Rabbit GTI and kind of a secret performance sedan. Today, however, the Jetta is selling in woefully low numbers in Germany, and VW doesn’t even bother to offer a GLI derivative. No anniversary edition here.

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Germany, instead, gets the Golf Cabriolet Karmann, an homage to the once-proud Karmann works. Every Golf Cabriolet in history was produced at Karmann. The company, which offered design, engineering, and production services, folded in late 2009 after it invested massively in production capacity—but failed to acquire sufficient contracts. Vehicles produced at Karmann include the VW Karmann-Ghia, the BMW E9 and E24, the VW/Porsche 914, and the Merkur XR4Ti. The facility is now owned by VW and used as a production site. As for the Golf Cabriolet Karmann, it is fitted with gray mirror caps and a special fabric and Alcantara interior.

The E63 AMG in regular trim on the left, and with “Business” camo on the right.

European models by Benz and Audi

In Germany, Mercedes-Benz is offering a de-badged “business packet” on the E63 AMG, designed to camouflage its awesomeness, which includes the 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 under the hood. This option, the only modest thing about the E63 AMG next to the wagon body style, costs around $2000 and is not offered in the U.S. Benz will offer the same treatment for the S-class through the brand’s Performance Studio, but again, probably not in the U.S.

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Audi will finally launch the long-awaited S1 at the 2014 Geneva auto show; the move coincides with a minor face lift for the rest of the A1 lineup. Power will come from a 2.0-liter turbo four that makes around 220 horsepower; a dual-clutch automatic will be the only transmission offered. The S1 follows in the footsteps of the ultra-limited-edition A1 quattro, which I was fortunate enough to test in Sweden last year. Just 333 A1 quattros were built, and it has become an instant collector’s item. Low-mileage examples fetch extra money, and even with the advent of the S1, the cars should hold their value. The car’s six-speed manual, the perfect transmission for a sporty compact, will ensure that.

For China: The Citroen DS 5LS.

An Uninspired Citroën

Citroën is expanding its upmarket DS lineup with the China-only DS 5LS. Sized similarly to an Audi A4 or a Mercedes-Benz C-class, the DS5 LS is a luxurious but conventionally styled sedan—and thus a disappointment. The regular DS5, launched in 2011, is an ultra-futuristic hatchback, with an interior that looks positively extraterrestrial. It looks fantastic.

Of course, the technology under the DS5’s skin is rather conventional. Instead of Citroën’s trademark hydropneumatic suspension, there are steel springs, and both the DS5 and the DS 5LS are powered by the “Prince” engine co-developed with BMW. For the hatchback, there is a complex and costly diesel hybrid, with driving characteristics that are inferior to the 1.6-liter gasoline turbo version, while the DS 5LS gets conventional engines only. Still, pedestrian mechanicals aside, I always liked the fact that Citroën’s DS line was not retro, but futuristic like its 1950s namesake. The DS 5LS, of course, is not futuristic—and it’s certainly not pretty.